Company Accounts by qualified accountant?

Company Accounts by qualified accountant?

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Hello,
This is the first time I've posted on here, and have a bit of a problem.
I have a Limited company that I used when I was a contractor. The company has not traded since October 2006. The company isn't legally dormant, just not being used.
My accounts are due at Companies House in January, and I'm finding my accountant to be a little unreliable.
The corporation tax was due at the beginning of November 07, but despite numerous reminders, the accountant simply never responded when asked, "when do you need everything from me?".
Another reminder about preparing my accounts for January has also gone unanswered.
At the time of writing, I probably just need to collate all my expenses before its ready to go to them, but my question is, do the accounts for Companies House NEED to be done by a qualified accountant, or could I do them myself?
W Reynolds

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
07th Dec 2007 14:06

No
There is no legal requirement for accounts filed at Companies House to have been prepared by an accountant - qualified or otherwise - but whoever does it needs to be familiar with the extensive legal requirements for the disclosure of items in the accounts.

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By AnonymousUser
07th Dec 2007 15:49

The directors are responsible
Therefore, you could do them yourself. The danger is that you may not do them correctly and Companies House may bounce them as being incorrect. If they do and when you send them back it is beyond the filing date, you will still be liable for a penalty. An experienced accountant is what you need.

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By annsylviarobson
07th Dec 2007 14:30

No, but need to be in correct format
Agree with other respondent - but need to show allnecessary info to comply with Companies Acts and be in required format.
Also still need to submit Corporation Tax return to Revenue.

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By User deleted
07th Dec 2007 15:08

Change of accountant the best option for you?
It is probably the case that your accountant is snowed under with work this time of year and having to deal with everything in order of urgency.
From the sound of your post it may be that he hasn't contacted you regarding tax payable simply because there isn't any and he only has time to contact those with a liability
If this is the case and you really want these accounts doing now then maybe a change of accountant may be the best option.

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DougScott
By Dougscott
07th Dec 2007 17:45

Did you send him your books.
From your post it sounds like you haven't sent him your books which you should of course send to him as soon after your financial year end as possible. He obviously can not do your accounts if you haven't sent him anything!

But yes, unless you need your accounts audited, then you can do the accounts yourself.

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By User deleted
07th Dec 2007 22:34

Contact!
Why not just phone your accountant and discuss your concerns with him directly. If he doesnt want to do so go elsewhere but atleast give him the oppurtunity. I suspect yours is, with respect, a tiny job which he can do very easily and is not wasting time on at present with the SA deadline around the corner.

OK yes you can do your own accounts but it isnt actually that simply to deal with unless you are a trained accountant! As a qualified accountant I truly wouldnt recommend you trying - its very false economy.

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By Chris Smail
12th Dec 2007 11:27

Where are you?
We are Manchester

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By Chris Smail
13th Dec 2007 14:59
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